I just wanted to circle back one more time on the topic of signal levels for the Tablo. I now have a proper signal meter, and have confirmed all of my signal levels throughout my system, starting with the Televes amplified roof antenna, down to the Televes Avant x signal processor, and finally out to the Tablo coax input, are appropriate. Nothing is being “overdriven” in the signal chain. My detailed measurements for just the Tablo inputs are as follows:
Note these figures do not include the additional 7dB-ish loss through the Tablo internal 4-way splitter. Accounting for that additional loss, the 4 internal Tablo tuners should each be seeing -55.6dBm to -53.4dBm, with all s/n ratios above 30dB except one channel at 29.3dB. This should be an “on spec” signal feed into the Tablo device, given the chart I posted previously from the Tablo technical website indicating appropriate signal levels for their device tuners at <-50dBm. Any adverse behaviors exhibited by my Tablo should (hopefully) not be the result of an improper input signal.
I did check the ATSC 1.0 spec, and it indicates tuner sensitivity should be -83dBm to -5dBm. I’ve seen other references (credited to Televes) of -70dBm to -35dBm. Another website publishes this chart:
Regardless, my Recast, as well as all 4 of my home tuners, seems to be fine with higher input levels. For example, here are my levels for my Recast:
Again, these figures must be reduced by another 7dB-ish to account for the Recast internal 4-way splitter. That suggests the Recast tuners are seeing -31.7dBm to -30.4dBm. I can show similar figures for my other 4 TVs.
In short, the Tablo tuners seem to be much more sensitive than the other tuners in my system. I’m not sure if that is “good” or “bad”, but it does point out a difference that may be important to someone switching from the Recast to the Tablo. Also, it has already been pointed out by many (including Tablo) that the Tablo internal amp should be turned off unless otherwise truly needed. I am a believer, and mine is off.